Mathura or Vrindavan – Which Is A Better Place To Stay? (2024)
According to Vishnu Puran, a pilgrimage or journey to the land, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, took his birth, is a dream of every devotee. Undoubtedly it is a once in a lifetime adventure to visit Mathura, where Lord himself incarnated in the prison cell of Kans Maharaj.
Vrindavan, the beautiful abode of cow keepers and their community, is where Lord Shri Krishna grew up.
At present, both of these cities, Mathura and Vrindavan are major pilgrimage destinations with infinite and overwhelming spaces of worship. Picking the most prominent festivals of India, Holi, Deepavali, and Krishna Janmashtami are celebrated here majestically, like nowhere else in the globe.
The portrayals of some of the elite architecture, crafting, and murals, some brilliant constructions add to the charm of Mathura and Vrindavan. The waters, boat rides, and those breathtaking sceneries from the river ghats are such a delightful sight.
Upon taking the example of cuisine too, the ghee sweets available here are unbeatable. The morning and evening Arti on the Ghats, the divine ambiance provided by these centers of worship, the hill of Govardhan, and plenty of such spaces closely associated with the life of Shri Krishna are known for his pranks and adventures.
It is entirely reasonable if you are facing the dilemma of choosing a space to stay when you are ready to pack your bags and land here. Let’s take a quick analysis of the environment in the vicinity of both of these cities – Mathura and Vrindavan.
How Far Is Mathura From Vrindavan
The cities of Mathura and Vrindavan are separated by a road distance of 13.5 Kms. There are several means of private and public transit available to reach Mathura from Vrindavan and Vice versa.
By Road: The National Highways 19 and 44 connect the cities of Mathura and Vrindavan. Taking the traffic and rush into consideration, it is roughly a 20-30 minutes ride.
There are also Cab facilities available, like Ola and other private cabs, operating locally, and rental car options are also available.
There are also a lot of eight-seater autos available, which are affordable (may only cost Rs.30-40) and it’ll give you some memorable experiences, through the streets of Mathura and Vrindavan.
A lot of public bus services are also available, which costs Rs.10-20 approx, which is also quite a delightful experience.
By Rail: No worries if you are interested and prefer trains, there are five trains, connecting the Mathura and Vrindavan junctions.
From Mathura to Vrindavan: Railbus (Everyday) – Departure from Mathura at 6:35 am and will reach Vrindavan by 7:10 am.
- MTJ BDB (every day) – Departure from Mathura at 8:55 am and reach Vrindavan by 9:30 pm.
- Railbus (except Sundays) – Departure from Mathura at 15:20 and will reach Vrindavan by 15:55.
- MTJ BDB (every day) – Departure from Mathura at 16:55 and will reach Vrindavan by 17:30.
- MTJ BDB (every day) – Departure from Mathura at 19:25 and will reach Vrindavan by 20:00.
From Vrindavan to Mathura: MTJ BDB (every day) – Departure from Vrindavan at 7:25 and will reach Mathura by 8:00.
- Railbus (Everyday) – Departure from Vrindavan at 9:40 and will reach Mathura by 10:15.
- BDB MTJ (except Sundays) – Departure from Vrindavan at 16:10 and will reach Mathura by 16:45.
- BDB MTJ (every day) – Departure from Vrindavan at 17:40 and will reach Mathura by 18:15.
- BDB MTJ (every day) – Departure from Vrindavan at 20:30 and will reach Mathura by 21:05.
Mathura or Vrindavan – Which Is A Better Place To Stay?
Mathura, The capital of the kingdom of Kans Maharaj, is located right at the heart of the city. Whereas Vrindavan, is more like a township, with a mild and moderate rush. Therefore we are using specific factors to determine which will be a better place for you to stay and have a great time on this trip.
Prominent Places of Worship in Mathura & Vrindavan
Prominent Places of Worship in Mathura: Shri Krishna Janmasthan Mandir, Shri Dwarakadish Mandir, Shri Krishna Balram Temple, Govardhan Temple, Shri Bhuteswar Mahadev temple etc.
Prominent Places of Worship in Vrindavan: Shri Shri Krishna Balram Mandir, Shri Rang Nath Ji Mandir, Shri Radha Vallabh Lal Mandir, Prem Mandir, Shri Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir, etc. 
Other Tourist Attractions in Mathura and Vrindavan
In Vrindavan: Lal Bazaar, Khadi Bhavan, Kesi Ghat, Vrindavan Parikrama, Govindas Restaurant, etc.
In Mathura: Jama Masjid, Kusum Sarovar, Kans Qila, Holy Gate Bazaar, Krishna Nagar Market, etc. 
Top Food Joints in Mathura and Vrindavan
In Mathura: Dosa Plaza Divinity, Chai Chowk, Giani’s Ice cream parlour, Shankar Mithai Wala, Sheel Gopal, etc.
In Vrindavan: MVT Restaurant, Ammaji’s Restaurant, Dasaprakash, New Govinda Restaurant, 56 Delights Restaurant, etc.
These factors will give you an idea about the atmosphere around both the cities and their nature.
Now let’s have a detailed look at the most beautiful hotels to stay in both the cities.
Top Places to Stay In Mathura
#1 Divinity by Audra Hotels
This three-star inn is located at the prime center of the city. It’s proximity to the top pilgrim destinations of Mathura makes this one an undeniable choice of a mid-range hotel in Mathura.
Hotel Facilities: There are free parking facilities available for the customers, along with free high-speed internet through WiFi. The Front desk will provide you with the currency exchange, local transit, and shuttle services to the Airport. There are smoking, nonsmoking and suite rooms available here to pick from.
The hotel also has a separate grand Banquet hall, an ideal option for celebrations and parties. There’s also a conference hall and meeting rooms with all facilities, for business purposes.
Divinity also has an on-site restaurant.
Hotel Room Facilities: There are 12 rooms available, all fully air-conditioned and furnished with Television. There’s also room service available, 24/7 and laundry, and dry cleaning services too.
Perks of the Location: All you need is a five-minute walk from the hotel to reach the pilgrims’ prime destination, the Shri Krishna Janmasthan.
There are also a couple of famous restaurants nearby that you should check out – Dosa Plaza Divinity, Giani’s Ice cream parlour, and Brijwasi Mithai Wala.
Address: Masani Road, Mathura – Deeg Marg, opposite Roopam Starworld Cinema, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh 281001
Contact: 08006955955
Rooms available: 12
Rooms available from Rs.1,800
#2 Hotel Brijwasi Royal
This three-star hotel is the ideal place to check in when you are looking for a place right in between major public transit and all prominent pilgrim destinations of Mathura.
Hotel Facilities: The hotel offers you parking facilities, a stable WiFi connection, and breakfast as complimentary. The 24-hour functioning front desk services can be approached to arrange for Airport shuttle services, storage and claiming of your baggage, currency exchange, and even arrangements for car rentals or taxis.
There’s a spacious hall available for conferences and meetings. A beautiful bar cum lounge in the lobby serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages too comes as a package.
Hotel Room Facilities: 24/7 room service available in all rooms, furnished with Air Conditioners and televisions. Newspapers will be provided on demand. There is a refrigerator, hairdryer, and iron box to suit yourself.
An excellent seating area, with a spacious desk and safe facilities, is also attached to all the rooms.
They also provide you with dry cleaning and laundry services.
Perks of the Location: Like said, this place is close to the major public transit and the prominent pilgrim destinations. Shri Krishna Janmasthan Mandir and Dwarakadish Mandir are within two kilometres distance.
Brijwasi Mithai Wala and Shankar Mithai Wala are two food joints that you may never want to miss, lying close to the hotel.
Address: Station Rd, close to State Bank of India, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh 281001
Contact: http://www.brijwasi.com/
Rooms available: 40
Rooms available from Rs.2,489
#3 Hotel Goverdhan Palace
A simple three-star inn which can give you a resort-like experience during your stay in Mathura. A luxury hotel with some great amenities and a spacious garden feels like a courtyard.
Hotel Facilities: One of the best places to stay that provides you actual value for the money spent. The hotel provides you with four types of rooms, Smoking, Nonsmoking, Family rooms, and suites.
The parking facilities for guests are free, so as the WiFi and breakfast for the guests. The front desk will assist you with currency exchange and other necessary services like arrangements for transportation.
There’s a spacious banquet hall, conference rooms for business purposes, and a great bar cum lounge to hang out for leisure. The garden out there is a beautiful and pleasing one to enjoy. There’s an on-site restaurant, too, serving delicious food.
Hotel Room Facilities: Around 39 rooms are available for the guests, all of them equipped with air conditioners, televisions, refrigerators, and 24/7 room service.
There are individual caretakers for children and a beautiful play area for the kids. They will also provide you with laundry and dry cleaning services.
Perks of the Location: The hotel is just equidistant, right in the middle of the railway station, and the prominent pilgrim destinations of the city. Shri Krishna Janmasthan Mandir and Dwarakadish Mandir are within a distance of two kilometres, so is the railway station.
Brijwasi Mithai Wala, Shankar Mithai Wala, and Sagar Ratna Restaurant are some of the significant food places you would love.
Address: Railway Station Marg, Opp Narholi Tana Agra, Che – Del National Highway, close to Indraprastha Enclave, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh 281001
Contact: 09917112000
Rooms available: 39
Rooms available from Rs.2,262
#4 Brijwasi Lands Inn
You are planning a journey to take a break from your same-old, congested daily life. It would be inappropriate to put you amid the heat of Mathura, clogged and crowded. What if we have the right place to stay for you? A little away from the rush and noises of the city, also not so away from your favourite destinations in the city.
Then Brijwasi Lands Inn is the perfect hotel for you.
Hotel Facilities: This giant structure is a complete package of rooms + all other amenities arranged for the guests. The parking lots are free to access, so is the WiFi network.
The hotel front desk offers its services round the clock and assists and guides you with the transportation facilities.
There’s an ample conference hall, an on-site restaurant, and a bar cum lounge.
Hotel Room Facilities: Non-smoking and Family rooms are available for stay. There are 32 rooms available, fully air-conditioned with Television and a coffee maker.
There’s a minibar available, along with a hairdryer, necessary toiletries, and an iron box.
Every room has a private seating area, equipped with a desk and a sofa. The hotel will also offer you a telephone, bathrobes, and newspapers on demand, laundry, and dry cleaning services.
Perks of the Location: The proximity to the Shri Krishna Janmasthan Mandir and other Prominent pilgrim destinations of the city is their most significant advantage. Shri Krishna Janmasthan Mandir is just a ten-minute walk away from this harmonious atmosphere.
The on-site restaurant, Aura, will provide you with multiple cuisines within vegetarian and Mahiki; the bar cum lounge in the lobby is an excellent hangout.
Address: Masani Link Marg, Close to Saraswathi Kund, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh 281003
Contact: 08899881881
Website: http://brijwasihotels.com
Rooms available: 32
Rooms available from Rs.3,092
Top Places to Stay in Vrindavan
#1 Kridha Residency Boutique
Krishna residency is a three-star inn with some great artworks as decor, which will give a divine feeling within the abode’s compounds.
Hotel Amenities: The major highlight among the other amenities offered by this space is a well-furnished fitness center cum gym. Apart from the parking lot and WiFi networks, breakfast is also totally free.
The front desk of the Kridha Residency will guide the guests and arrange for the vehicle rentals; even cycle rentals are available. They’ll even help you with currency exchange services.
A beautiful banquet hall, a space for meetings or conferences, and on-site restaurant are also some salient additions of the residency.
There is non-smoking and family rooms are available for guests.
Hotel Room Facilities: There are fifty rooms for guests at Krishna Residency. All of them are fully air-conditioned, topped by a refrigerator and a television. The kitchenette’s comforts are added to the rooms with 24/7 room service, dry cleaning, and laundry comforts.
Every room here is furnished with a private balcony setup, From which you can enjoy the miraculous sight of the township of Vrindavan.
Perks of the Location: The renowned place of worship, Prem Mandir – Shyama Shyam Dham, is just right opposite to space. Other prominent pilgrim destinations like Shri Rang Nath Ji Mandir, Priya Kant Ji Mandir are also a quick walk away. The most delicate food joints here that serve quality and delicious food include MVT Restaurant, 11 flowers rooftop and AC restaurant, etc.
Address: Bhaktivedanta Swami Road, Close to Prem Mandir, Chaitanya Vihar, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh 281121
Contact: http://www.kridharesidency.com/
Rooms available: 50 Rooms
Rooms available from Rs.2,564
#2 Nidhivan Sarovar Portico
Nidhivan, aka the riches of a forest, is one of the grandest and luxurious places to stay in the township of Vrindavan. It’s proximity to the renowned ISKCON temple of Vrindavan makes it an ideal space to stay. 
Hotel Amenities: Nidhivan Sarovar Portico is a four-star hotel, a proud and majestic structure. The comforts of free parking and WiFi are topped with a valet parking service. There is a fitness center cum Gym to tone your body and a spa with all modern amenities.
An on-site restaurant, a Coffee shop, and a gift shop, followed by many other shops selling some beautiful products and decors, adds to the charm of Nidhivan.
The spacious banquet hall and an appealing conference hall are ideal for parties, celebrations, and meetings.
Hotel Room Facilities: This grand abode has 68 rooms, furnished with air conditioners and televisions. A Coffee maker, iron box, and a telephone are also part of each guest room.
Above all, the rooms have a private seating setup, consisting of a sofa and a desk.
There are 24/7 room service, laundry, and dry cleaning services.
Perks of the Location: The proximity to the ISKCON temple can be considered as the most significant advantage of choosing Nidhivan. Other prominent pilgrim destinations like Prem Mandir are just 2 kilometres away.
Nidhivan has the biggest banquet hall, which is arguably the best in the class. The vegetarian restaurant here is a multi-cuisine one, serving some great, delicious food.
Address: Khasra Number 797, Gopal Ghar – Thehra Link Road, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh 281121
Contact: 07455027001
http://www.sarovarhotels.com/nidhivan-sarovar-portico-vrindavan
Rooms available: 68 rooms
Rooms available from Rs.3,695
#3 Anandam Clarks Inn Suite
Anandam Clarks Inn Suite is a striking example of a state-of-the-art space with all luxury amenities at an affordable and reasonable price. It is famous for its impressive looks and decors. This four-star inn is arguably the biggest hotel in the township, both in size and facilities provided.
Hotel Facilities: A spacious and costless parking lot, topped by free WiFi facility and breakfast delivered to the guests. There’s a great outdoor pool which will help you beat the heat of the town.
The fitness center, a beautiful food place, and the spa are some great places to hang out with in the compounds. Airport shuttle services are also provided to the guests. The hotel also has an excellent business space, banquet hall for hosting parties, and for celebrating special occasions.
Hotel Room Facilities: Apart from the 24/7 room service, every room is furnished with air conditioners, refrigerators, and televisions. There’s a minibar setup too in every room.
The staff also provides a caretaker for the kids, and there’s an entertainment zone for the children.
Perks of the location: The Prominent pilgrim destination of the town like Prem Temple is just nearly two Kms.
Some delicious eateries in a town like MVT Restaurant are also around 2.5 km away.
Address: Anandam Clarks Inn Suites & Resorts, Omaxe Eternity, Chattikara Marg, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh 281121
Contact: 07455000179
http://www.anandamclarksinn.com/
Rooms and From 136 And Rs.3,332 respectively
It’s clear from the observation that the most beautiful places to spend some quality time at Vrindavan are furnished with some modern and luxurious amenities; above all, it has less congestion and peaceful surroundings.
Mathura has a lot of grand hotels and better public transit. Even the prominent pilgrim destinations are slightly more in Mathura.
So if you’re looking for a more extended stay and planning to visit all significant pilgrim destinations, staying in Vrindavan would be a better and affordable option.
If you’re for a quick visit and plan to cover all prominent destinations, pick a beautiful hotel space in Mathura.
